The Holy Priest-Martyr Januarius and Those with Him (305-11); the Holy Martyr Theodore of Pergia (138-61)
Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat.
Acts 5:1-11; John 5:30-6:2.
Read John 5:30-6:2
Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen!
In the Gospels from last week we heard from the friend of the Bridegroom—St. John the Forerunner—witnessing to the fact that he is not the Messiah, but only the precursor sent to prepare the people for Jesus’ coming. Today as we start reading more of St. John’s Gospel we hear the word of the incarnate Word, who accepts and affirms the truth of John the Baptizer. Jesus is not dependent on St. John’s witness, but points to the works he is doing—the works his Father has granted him to accomplish. Another witness to Jesus is the Holy Scriptures—the written Word of God in the Old Testament. The entire Holy Scripture points to Jesus and witnesses to his Divine Messiahship as the Saviour of the Jews and all of humanity.
As we read the Gospel of John we are constantly invited to enter into a deeper relationship with Jesus. Today Jesus instructs the Jews on two impediments that hold us back from coming to know and entering into a relationship with him: lack of love for God and a disordered desire for glory. In other words, when we misappropriate our love, which is first and foremost due to our Creator, by giving it to the things of this world we become blind and distant to Christ. A disordered desire for glory is a prideful heart focused on self glorification. Both of these types of hearts strip us of our dignity and push God away. The cure is a constant cultivation of humility, of the love of God, continual praise and thanksgiving to our Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ. A humble love dedicated to worship and thanksgiving connects us to the living God, opens the eyes of our hearts and invites Christ who is the source of life.